Despite conflicting reports in the media, Mexico has not closed its border to U.S. pork exports following the confirmation of pseudorabies (PRV) in Iowa and Texas. While trade continues for major categories, certain precautionary restrictions have emerged for specific products.
The Source of the Detection
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed the presence of PRV antibodies in a small commercial swine facility in Iowa on April 30. Because PRV is a reportable disease, the USDA followed standard protocol by notifying international trading partners immediately.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig emphasized the speed of the response during a May 1 press conference. “There is always a potential for trade disruption, which is why we moved so swiftly,” Naig said. “We anticipate minimal, if any, short-term trade disruptions.”
Current Trade Status: Muscle Cuts vs. Byproducts
Engagement between animal health authorities in Mexico and the U.S. remains ongoing. Joe Schuele, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) senior vice president of communications, clarified that while the border remains open for U.S. pork muscle cuts, which make up most of the export volume to Mexico, exporters are facing hurdles for some other pork products.
“USMEF cannot speculate about the market access situation going forward,” Schuele says. “But we know that since Monday morning (May 4), U.S. exporters have had loads of certain products unable to clear into Mexico. Importantly, the restrictions do not impact pork muscle cuts. However, pork byproducts (skins) and offal/viscera have been unable to clear due to Mexico’s precautionary restrictions.”
Looking Ahead
USMEF remains optimistic that further guidance from the USDA is imminent and expects Mexico to act in alignment with World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) guidelines.
“We continue to monitor the situation for further updates,” USMEF stated.
Safety Assurance
Industry experts remind the public that PRV is not a food safety concern and poses no risk to human health. The U.S. pork supply remains safe, secure, and subject to rigorous inspection standards.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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